Yet another newbie

rlb said:
That link is a great resource. I think at a minimum you should carry a tube, some patches, a multi tool, and a pump. You can toss those in a saddle pack, or pick up a camelbak. You'll need your own water, and most people carry a few gu packs or clif bars, or any incarnation of those sorts of energy foods. They give you a good boost before you hit the trail. I'd also bring something to snack on in the car, since you'll be riding at dinner time (don't know about you, but I'd be starving). As southerner said, most people carry an assortment of tools and spare items, so chances are someone will have what you need, but you always want to play it safe and cover the basics for yourself.
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I was thinking along the lines of one of those small packs that attaches under the seat (is that called a saddle pack?)...but things like a pump will never fit in there...

Wallet, cell phone, tube, etc. but a pump? That makes me start thinking along the lines of a backpack (is that called a camelbak?). What about a frame mounted pump? Do those even exist, or would they just bounce off in the rough stuff? Water bottles...I think I'm starting to see the benefit of a backpack. 🙂

I think I'd likely be under-equipped at the start. Observing what others have with them will let me learn what I *should* have. What about a lock and chain/cable for the bike? Are those required for the car rack, or for anything else?

Thanks for this very valuable information. Just thinking about it is getting me excited to go home and ride tonight...or maybe work on the trails.
 
Going to try and answer as many as I can myself:

Saddle pack: Yes back that attaches under the seat and to the seat post.

Camelbak: These are hydration packs / backpacks how much you can carry in these depends on which you purchase (I have the MULE and love it) The MULE allows me to carry the following with me out on the trails:
1 tube, patch kit, tool kit, pump, wallet, keys, phones, water, food, and I still have room in it.

Pump: Yes you can get a hand pump that will mount to the frame co2 pump with a couple cartridges is another way to go also space saver.

Lock: My suggestion is that anytime you plan on leaving your bike on a rack unattended make sure you can lock the bike to the rack and the rack is locked to the vehicle somehow. (i.e. hitch lock if a hitch rack) depending on where you work some work places may not frown on you bringing you bike in the office, but that just depends.

Hope this helps and glad to see you are excited. I just recently got back into this myself and I know what you are feeling its great to see it in someone else 🙂
 
southernerinnj said:
Going to try and answer as many as I can myself:

Saddle pack: Yes back that attaches under the seat and to the seat post.

Camelbak: These are hydration packs / backpacks how much you can carry in these depends on which you purchase (I have the MULE and love it) The MULE allows me to carry the following with me out on the trails:
1 tube, patch kit, tool kit, pump, wallet, keys, phones, water, food, and I still have room in it.

Pump: Yes you can get a hand pump that will mount to the frame co2 pump with a couple cartridges is another way to go also space saver.

Lock: My suggestion is that anytime you plan on leaving your bike on a rack unattended make sure you can lock the bike to the rack and the rack is locked to the vehicle somehow. (i.e. hitch lock if a hitch rack) depending on where you work some work places may not frown on you bringing you bike in the office, but that just depends.

Hope this helps and glad to see you are excited. I just recently got back into this myself and I know what you are feeling its great to see it in someone else 🙂
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every one will tell you some things you need to carry I just started carrying a speed link and a chain tool last year on 2 of our rides someone had a chain issue...
 
KevinG said:
Thanks again.

I finally uploaded pictures of the trails (in progress) on that other thread...

http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10440

-Kevin
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Had a nice ride planned on Sunday morning...found my bike had two flat tires. 🙁

Turns out that my backyard trails need some raking. :hmmm: Each tube had at least two visible holes, and I found one thorn embedded in each tire...Good thing I checked or the replacement tubes would have leaked right away.

I purchased 2 "self healing" tubes, and one regular tube for emergencies...along with some patch kits. I haven't ridden on my trails since, but I plan to go over them once more before I subject the tires and tubes to more thorns.

I see that they sell "kevlar" tires...do those actually work?

Thanks.
-Kevin
 
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